More like poor vendor quality unfortunatly. I haven't seen anybodies factory steering components that meet my standards yet but these, as many factory units , don't even have grease fitting. I'll be replacing mine with Moog somewhere down the road.

So yesterday I went to get my yearly NYS inspection done and it failed for having bad outer tie rods. Has anyone else had problems like this?

Just yesterday, I took mine into a tire dealer to see why I was getting shudder at 55-60 mph. (Girl here - don't know these things like you guys and gals) He was very kind and told me he got movement when he checked it with his hands and I have bad outer tie rods. Also said since I have less than 30K miles on the car it should be covered under warranty. I called the dealership while there and made arrangements for them to get them ordered so I can get it fixed. They, at first, said I would have to bring it in to make sure that was what it was. I told them I'm not driving 45 min. (closest dealer) to "see" and they needed to order the parts, then I'll bring it in one time. I'd love to hear about others that have had this problem in the Compass because the mechanic I spoke with said he had never heard of it on one of them.

Last edited by BeechBlogger; 09-21-2008 at 09:27 AM..
Reason: add to info

I have an AWD Caliber R/T, aka, Compass drivetrain, same assembly line.

There is currently a recall on early 2008, and 2007 Calibers that most likely also affect the Compass and possibly even Patriot. The lower control arm TSB (I dont have the number, sorry) is discussed here on the CaiberForumZ.

Apparently, they had used wrong sized bolts in the assembly line wich cause the entire front end assembly to loosen with time. As a result, I had my tie rods, lower control arms and bushings replaced just two weeks ago, with only 18 months usage for 32,000km (25-some thousand miles).

Dodge/Chrysler is supposedly sending recall letters to affected vehicles but I wouldn't be surprised if they narrowed the target audience a bit.

If you feel a loosening of the steering wheel, shudders on bumpy roads or creaking sounds on acceleration/stops & speed bumps (aka, suspension travel under pressure conditions), then it would be a GOOD idea to have the car checked.

Warranty covers the charges but my dealer con-ed me into paying for realignment. You should argue more than I did. (And yes, I'm reclaiming those charges.)

as of 10/1/08 these r the only recalls posted COMPASS RECALLS Top
2007 JEEP COMPASS
Manufactured between: 09/07/2006 and 12/13/2006
Defect: on certain vehicles, the antilock brake system (abs) control module software may cause the rear brakes to lock up during certain braking conditions.
Consequence: this could result in a loss of vehicle control and cause a crash without warning.
Action: dealers will reprogram the abs electronic control unit. the recall began on february 19, 2007. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 12/29/2006

2007 JEEP COMPASS
Manufactured between: 03/29/2006 and 10/20/2006
Defect: on certain sport utility vehicles, the owner's manual does not contain the required higher rollover risk warning information.
Consequence: without the rollover warning information in the owner's manual, drivers may not be aware of the significantly higher rollover rate on this type vehicle, which could result in a crash.
Action: daimlerchrysler will mail an addendum to the owner's manual to all affected vehicle owners. the recall began on november 14, 2006. owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Recall Date: 11/15/2006
COMPASS 4X4 RECALLS Top

I thought it was just me. This summer I changed my Drivers side Tie Rod and then last week brought my Jeep in for an inspection (24k km) and complain about stuttering. The Dealer told me this time that both my Tie Rods were affected. I'm not paying a 2nd alignment on my Compass limited. To say, I'm pissed is an understatement. This is a major Issue.

Chrysler, move on it. You have major issues with the Tie rods on the Compasses. Apart from that the Vehicle is fantastic.

Just had our outer tie rod ends done under warranty as well. I heard a lot of noise coming from up front while going over large bumps in the road (ice and snow). They said the driver's side was nearly popped out!

Thanks for the bump. I was just thinking about this today. NAPA Chassis now lists Tie Rod ends for the MK's, made by TRW. NAPA number 2693277. I don't know if they have a grease fitting or not. This may help some to cross reference them.